Less than 48 hours after being elected, Pope Leo XIV got in the front seat of a minivan and traveled 40 miles southeast from the Vatican to pray at a Marian shrine cared for by his Augustinian confreres.
Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Cardinals, Faithful Flock to Rome’s Center To Pray at Pope’s Tomb
Members of the College of Cardinals had a chance to take a quick bus tour through Rome on their way to visit the tomb of Pope Francis, who wanted to be buried in a Marian basilica three and a half miles from the Vatican.
Thousands Line Streets of Rome To Bid Final Farewell to Pope Francis
The casket bearing the body of Pope Francis made its final journey through the streets of Rome accompanied by applause and shouts of gratitude from thousands of mourners.
As Pope’s Casket Is Sealed, He Is Remembered for Simplicity, Humility
After an estimated 250,000 people had passed by the body of Pope Francis, lying in an open casket in front of the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica, the casket was sealed in a private ceremony.
Poor To Welcome Pope’s Casket to St. Mary Major Where Simple Tomb Is Ready
Given the late Pope Francis’ care and concern for the poor, a representative group of them has been formally invited to welcome his casket to Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.
Cementing His Love of Mary, Pope Chooses Marian Basilica as Burial Site
The decision by Pope Francis to break with tradition and be buried at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome rather than the Vatican is shining a spotlight on the 5th-century basilica dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Thousands Wait Hours To Pay Respects to Pope Francis
After the casket bearing Pope Francis’ body was placed in St. Peter’s Basilica, tens of thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects.
Prayer, Pilgrims Accompany Pope Francis’ Body to St. Peter’s Basilica
Thousands of people had made an early morning pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Square April 23 to witness the transfer and pray for the late pope; they erupted in applause when his body, in an open casket, reached the square and again when it reached the top of the basilica steps.
Pope Makes Surprise Outing to Marian Basilica on Eve of Holy Week
On April 13, Pope Francis, despite the Vatican’s repeated insistence that he is observing a two-month period of rest, made his fourth surprise outing in a week to pray at his favorite Roman basilica.